Alumni Association

Started in 1927 by the first graduating class, the Texas Tech Alumni Association has grown to a membership of more than 30,000 alumni, current students, and friends of Texas Tech.

Located in the McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center, which is part of the original President’s Home, the Alumni Association provides academic support to the university through scholarships, professorships, and faculty and staff awards. In addition, the organization sponsors many on-campus activities, including the Texas Tech Official Class Ring program, class reunions, homecoming events, and pregame parties at the Frazier Alumni Pavilion.

A national and international alumni chapter network helps members stay in touch with the university. The association also publishes the bimonthly Texas Techsan magazine, hosts ceremonies for The Official Texas Tech Class Ring, and provides lapel pins to all graduates at commencement.

ATM

Wells Fargo, Plains Capital Bank, Bank of America, and Prosperity Bank have ATMs in the SUB. Anyone having ATM access cards honored by financial institutions may use these machines for a variety of transactions. The ATMs are normally accessible 24 hours a day in the east lobby of the Student Union.

Campus Bus System

The campus bus system, funded by the Student Transportation Fee, provides transportation throughout the campus and to nearby offcampus residential areas. On-campus routes provide service from the residence halls and commuter parking lots to the interior of the campus. Off-campus service runs from 7 a.m. until 6:45 p.m. Students can access the Citibus Safe-Nite shuttle service from 6:15 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. by calling 806.742.NITE (6483). Students also can ride any Citibus route in Lubbock using their Texas Tech ID.

Contact: Student Government Association, 806.742.3631

Center for Campus Life

The Center for Campus Life promotes each student’s learning experience by offering programs and services that focus on student transition, connecting students to the university and campus traditions, establishing positive relationships with students and families, and maintaining collaborative partnerships. The center offers services related to the following areas:

Credit Union

Texas Tech Federal Credit Union offers free cash-back checking accounts, high-yield savings accounts, low-cost consumer loans, low-rate credit cards, a full-service home loan center, and mobile banking services for anyone who wants to become a member. There are three branch locations: 1802 Texas Tech Parkway, room 1A-98 at the Health Sciences Center (both on campus), and 4005-98th Street. All locations can be reached at 806-742-3606. ATMs are available at all branch locations, the Administration Building, the Student Recreation Center, the United Spirit Arena and the Frazier Alumni Pavilion. Texas Tech Federal Credit Union is also a member of several ATM networks giving members access to over 273,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide. For more information about the Texas Tech Federal Credit Union, visit www.TexasTechFCU.org.

Cocurricular Activities

Students attending Texas Tech have an endless array of experiential opportunities. The Student Union & Activities office and the Center for Campus Life boast nearly 450 registered student organizations representing academic, professional, honorary, graduate, religious, service, athletic, and special interest groups. Additionally, students can gain volunteer leadership experience through involvement in the Tech Activities Board (TAB) where they can plan traditional campus events like Texas Tech’s Homecoming Week and the Annual Arbor Day Celebration. Students can enroll in leadership programs, participate in Greek letter organizations, and experience multicultural programs through the Center for Campus Life. The value of these experiences is immeasurable as students enjoy the luxury of having a practical forum in which to cultivate leadership skills and develop peer and faculty staff/networks.

Student participation in an off-campus activity is strictly voluntary. Students are responsible for their own safety and welfare. Participation in off-campus activities is at the student’s own risk and the university assumes no responsibility. Students are responsible for making their own individual arrangements with instructors for class work missed while participating in any on-campus or off-campus activity. For students involved in Big XII sports, eligibility rules for the Big XII Conference are administered by the Texas Tech Athletics Council.

Fraternity and Sorority Life

Fraternities and sororities have been an active part of university life since 1952 by complementing the academic and cocurricular activities of the university’s community life. With almost 50 chapters recognized at Texas Tech University, more than 4,000 students are involved in Greek life. The university promotes a self-governing community, reaffirming an attitude of cooperation, support, and encouragement. The Center for Campus Life is the liaison between Greek-letter organizations, their alumni, and the university administration.

Grievance Procedures

Opportunities are available to students for redress of grievances. Generally, students wishing to review the action of a faculty or staff member or a department should direct their questions to the supervisor responsible for the department in the university organizational structure. Procedures for handling specific problems have been established to expedite the filing and hearing of student concerns. Questions involving academic matters should first be directed to the appropriate academic college or department office. Grievance procedures are described in the Student Handbook and questions may be directed to the Office of the Dean of Students, 201 Student Union Building, 806.742.2984 or www.depts.ttu.edu/dos.

Intercollegiate Speech, Debate

The Red Raider debate team historically ranks among the top teams in the nation. In 2010, the team won its second national debate championship in three years, one of only four schools nationwide to ever do so. Students who meet general eligibility requirements may participate in intercollegiate debate. Both contest and noncontest events are held on campus and at other colleges. The Forensics Union (administered in the Department of Communication Studies) is also active in sponsoring campus-wide speech activities. Texas Tech teams actively compete in debate competitions across the country.

Office of the Dean of Students

The Office of the Dean of Students will lead an effort to focus on non-academic matters affecting student life, student success, and student learning. These efforts are achieved through encouraging student responsibility and leadership, supporting students and families during times of crisis, assisting faculty and staff in resolving student concerns, and active involvement in issues related to student life at Texas Tech University.

Office of Student Conduct

The Office of Student Conduct is responsible for maintaining and adjudicating alleged violations of the “Code of Student Conduct” as it is found in the Student Handbook. It is the responsibility of this office to ensure that student rights are afforded to all students and that due process is part of every conduct hearing. In addition to adjudicating alleged violations of university policy, this office also serves as the clearinghouse for academic integrity issues at Texas Tech.

The Office of Student Conduct works in conjunction with the Texas Tech Police Department and University Student Housing to provide accurate information for the Jeanne Clery Disclosures of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crimes Statistics Act reporting. The office provides background checks for current and previous students.

Office for Student Rights & Resolution

The mission, purpose, and scope of the Office for Student Rights & Resolution is to promptly address all complaints of discrimination and harassment, specifically those involving Title IX, gender-based harassment, sexual misconduct, and discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic or class. The office assists and supports students who bring complaints; provides coordination and provision of resources, remedies, and interim measures; and facilitates a fair and equitable investigation and adjudication process where reports indicate student misconduct in violation of university policy. The department also assists the RISE Office and other campus partners with numerous education, training, and prevention efforts throughout the campus community.

Parent and Family Relations/Texas Tech Parents Association

Parent and Family Relations is dedicated to student success by engaging parents and family members as active partners in supporting student success at Texas Tech University. Parent and Family Relations provides a variety of programs and services to parents, family members, and students. These programs include Family Weekend, Sibling Saturday, Holiday Bus Trips, the Parent and Family Guide, Red Raider Orientation for Parents and Family Members, electronic newsletters, and e-Lerts.

The Texas Tech Parents Association (TTPA), an incorporated non-profit organization, was established in 1956 to provide a network of parents and family members as well as programs and services for Texas Tech students and their families. Programs and services include scholarships, faculty and student awards, the Road Raiders Safe Travel Network, and local chapters of TTPA. Membership dues and donations enable the awarding of student scholarships as well as provide program support.

RaiderGate

Sponsored by the Tech Activities Board and Student Union and Activities, RaiderGate is the university’s premier student tailgating event. For students it is the most exciting on-campus pregame entertainment of the football season.

Red Raider Student Employment Center (RRSEC)

The Student Financial Aid Office administers a student part-time employment service to assist students in financing their education. This service is available to currently enrolled students at Texas Tech and provides a listing of on- and off-campus employment opportunities available to students. Students seeking employment through this service are encouraged to check openings at www.rrsec.ttu.edu, then select Federal Work Study Program or Part-Time Employment. To learn more about other forms of financial assistance, see www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/catalog/_financial_studentassist.php.

Red to Black Peer Financial Coaching

Red to Black Peer Financial Coaching is available to answer students’ money questions. Select students from the Department of Personal Financial Planning provide individual coaching sessions and presentations on topics such as creating spending plans, starting to save early, maximizing financial aid (including student loans), choosing employee benefits, and establishing and using credit. Financial coaching services are free and available to all Texas Tech students.

Safe Way Program

The Safe Way Program safely takes students to various locations and home during hours that normal transportation is not available. This initiative was started and is operated through the Office of the External Vice President of the Student Government Association. The program includes Safe Ride, Safe Bus, and Safe Nite. Students must present a valid Texas Tech ID for free service.

Each segment of the Safe Way Program is available to every student and is an easily accessible means to get home safely during hours when regular transportation is not accessible.

Safe Ride

Safe Ride is a free taxi service for students that operates from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The taxi service will pick up students and take them to their place of residence. The service is a means to keep students off the roads at night and to give students transportation options when direct means of transportation are not readily available.

Safe Ride is completely confidential. Contact: 806.742.7433

Safe Bus

Safe Bus consists of three buses that run from all Overton apartments and drop off at Broadway and the Depot District. Safe Bus runs from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. As an addition to the Safe Ride taxi service, Safe Bus reduces the number of students on the road during weekend nights.

Safe Nite

Safe Nite is an on-call, late-night shuttle that circulates on campus from 6:50 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. After picking up students, Safe Nite will take them anywhere on campus. Safe Nite is an on-campus extension of the Safe Ride taxi service. Contact: 806.742.6483

Student Counseling Center

The Student Counseling Center (SCC) provides professional psychological services in a beautiful and welcoming environment to address the variety of concerns affecting a college student’s personal life and academic performance. Services are provided by licensed psychologists/counselors and by their supervisees.

College life is brimming with new challenges and choices. Counseling focuses on the common issues students frequently encounter in this process. This can involve relationship loss, coping with grief, body image concerns, depression, anxiety, stress/time management, alcohol or other substance abuse, gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender identity concerns, communication skills, general adjustment to college, or simply help in understanding oneself better.

Counseling can be conducted on an individual, couple, or group basis. The SCC offers a variety of topic-specific groups (e.g., mindful eating, sexual assault survivors) as well as general counseling groups called Understanding Self and Others. Relationship counseling for student couples is available during select evening hours as well as the daytime. SCC therapists also educate the campus community about strategies for positive mental health through educational outreach presentations to classes, residence halls, and on-campus organizations. Topics of these presentations span the wide range of issues that students experience.

SCC services are available to enrolled students who have paid the student services fee. All information is strictly confidential within limits of the law. The SCC is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. During these times, a walk-in clinic is available to initiate counseling services from 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.

Student Government

The Student Government Association (SGA) provides students with opportunities to excel through their participation in leadership activities and university-wide committees. Students can get involved through Freshmen Council, Freshman Leadership Association, Ambassadors.

Student Senate, and executive offices. The SGA also provides many services to students, including Safe-Ride (806.742.7433), Safe-Nite (806.742.6483), Safe-Bus, housing guides, WORD magazine, new student guide, information maps about Citibus routes, and other programs and publications.

The Student Government Association also supports student organizations through a funding process that allocates a portion of student services fees to registered student groups. The four executive officers- President, Internal Vice President, External Vice President, Graduate Vice President-work to represent the views and needs of students to the administration as well as local and state governments. The SGA is always receptive to new programs and practices that can benefit students.

Student Health Insurance

All students are required to have health insurance. There is a student health insurance option that fulfills all minimum requirements, and it is available for all students registered at Texas Tech University. For information, contact Student Health Services, 210 Student Wellness Center, 806.743.2843.

Student Health Services

Student Health Services is the primary care clinic for students at Texas Tech University. The Joint Commission accredited clinic is staffed with board certified physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistant, nursing staff, a dietician, and support staff to provide high-quality care for illnesses and injuries, as well as mental health referrals.

Student Health Services is located in the Student Wellness Center at the corner of Main and Flint on the west side of the campus. Services are available by appointment Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Student Health Services clinical services include general medicine, women’s health, sports medicine, triage nurse, nutritionist, after-hours answering service, COLA accredited medical lab, digital x-ray services, retail pharmacy, and the Raider Assistance Program that provides a safe and confidential place for students to address questions and concerns they have regarding alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. Students who pay a medical services fee are entitled to access to the clinic. All major health insurance carriers are accepted and a copy of the insurance card is required at the time of each visit. Access to the clinic is available to students without insurance at a discounted rate. A valid Texas Tech ID is required to access the clinic services. More than 200 appointments are available each day. The nursing staff provides blood pressure checks, immunizations, and advice about self-care. Lab tests and X-rays ordered by Student Health Services providers may be performed at Student Health Services.

A student who is unsure about a medical issue or problem can visit the clinic and speak confidentially to the triage nurse. The triage nurse does not give notes verifying that a student has been seen at Student Health Services. Providers are able to give verification that a student has been seen at Student Health Services, but faculty members use their own judgment about excusing absences for class or exams missed due to illness or injury. Students experiencing a lengthy illness that may affect their academic performance can consult their Student Health Services physician about obtaining a letter of explanation.

Pharmacy services are conveniently located in the Student Wellness Center (806.743.2636). The pharmacy can fill most prescriptions, including those written by an outside physician or transferred from another pharmacy. Over-the-counter medications are available at reduced prices. Pharmacy purchases may be charged to major credit cards. The pharmacy accepts most prescription insurance cards.

The medical services fee does not cover after-hours care, hospital emergency room visits, hospitalization, or referrals to providers outside of Student Health Services. Students who are between semesters in the summer and want to continue to use Student Health Services may be eligible for services. Please contact Student Health Services at 806.743.2848 for more information.

Insurance. Student Health Services is not a substitute for major medical insurance. Students should have their own insurance policies or coverage on their parents’ insurance. Students who are thus covered should carry an insurance card to present at any medical facility. Student Health Services accepts private health insurance for visits to the clinic. Students who do not have insurance or who are not covered by a family policy may purchase student health insurance through a plan endorsed by Texas Tech University. Contact Student Health Services at 806.743.2848, or, for enrollment information, visit www.ahpcare.com/ttu

Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine Requirements for Entering Students. Texas Senate Bill 1107, passed in May 2011, requires all students entering a public, private, or independent institution of higher education in Texas as of January 2012 and thereafter to provide documentation that they have had a meningococcal (bacterial meningitis) vaccine or “booster” dose during the five-year period prior to but no later than 10 days before the first day of the first semester they will enter that institution. This requirement is not part of the admission process, but non-compliance will prevent students from registering for classes. Students must submit their documentation to Student Health Services as soon as they are admitted and have decided to attend Texas Tech. This submission must be at least two weeks before their intended registration date, even if that date is during Red Raider Orientation. Students should send vaccination records to Student Health Services by one of the following: fax to 806.743.1071, email studenthealth@ttuhsc.edu, or submit by mail or in person to Student Wellness Center, 1003 Flint Ave., Box 43095, Lubbock, TX 79409-3095. Students should include their Texas Tech “R” number and date of birth. For more information, visit www.ttuhsc.edu/studenthealth.

Tuberculosis Screening. The university requires that non-U.S. residents from countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis receive a T-spot test for tuberculosis screening. This requirement is in accordance with recommendations from the American College Health Association and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The tuberculosis screening test must be administered by either Student Health Services or a U.S. health care provider. The test will be at the student’s expense. Required students should provide documentation of the test and results or receive the test at Student Health Services by the fifth week of the first semester of enrollment. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in a hold being placed on the student’s records. Non-U.S. residents from the following countries are exempt from this requirement: American Region-Canada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Virgin Islands; European Region- Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, and United Kingdom; Western Pacific Region-American Samoa, Australia, and New Zealand. Non-U.S. residents from any country not listed above are required to have a T-spot test.

MMR Immunization. The university requires that all students born after December 31, 1956, provide proof of two MMR immunizations in their lifetime. The first immunization must have been received on or after the first birthday. The two immunizations must have been received at least 30 days apart. Students must meet this requirement by providing documentation of the immunization by the fifth week of the first semester of enrollment. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in a hold being placed on the student’s records. Documentation may be mailed to Student Health Services, Box 43095, Lubbock TX 79409-3095 or faxed to 806.743.1071. Students must include their Texas Tech “R” number and date of birth on all documentation. Students may obtain the immunization by appointment at Student Health Services. Questions regarding MMR status should be directed to Student Health Services at 806.743.2848.

Patient Confidentiality. In accordance with state law, a student’s medical information is kept completely confidential and cannot be released to anyone, including parents and/or guardians, without the student’s written permission unless otherwise authorized by law.

Student Legal Services

Student Legal Services is dedicated to the concept of preventative law by providing legal advice and guidance to students. The program’s primary objective is providing students confidential legal advice on individual issues by informing students of their obligation, duties, and rights as defined by a system of law. Student Legal Services’ attorneys are able to represent students under limited circumstances; however, most cases are resolved through negotiation, advice, and proper direction.

Student Legal Services is staffed by three licensed attorneys, an administrative business assistant, law clerks, and student externs from the Texas Tech School of Law. Appointments are necessary to ensure correct placement with the appropriate attorney. Outreach presentations are available for student organizations and academic classes. Mediation services are also available.

Contact: 307 Student Union, 806.742.3289

Student Media

The Department of Student Media, located on the first floor of the rotunda in the Media and Communication building, provides out-of-classroom learning opportunities for students to use academic training obtained at Texas Tech in practical settings of publishing the student newspaper, The Daily Toreador; digital media at www.dailytoreador.com; and the campus yearbook, La Ventana. All publications, productions and telecasts within the department are nonacademic and considered out-of-classroom learning opportunities, free from administrative censorship. Student editors of The Daily Toreador and La Ventana have the authority to make all content decisions and bear the responsibility for their decisions.

Student Media employs 50-75 students each semester as collegiate editors, reporters, photographers, videographers, anchors, graphic designers, print and digital advertising account executives, and members of the delivery staff and street team. Many of the employees are students in the College of Media and Communication, and some study other disciplines. Students interested in the fields of advertising, journalism, marketing, public relations, photography, and broadcast are encouraged to apply for positions on the newspaper, multimedia website, and yearbook staffs by visiting www.dailytoreador.com

Student Organization Representative Council (SORC)

The Student Organization Representative Council (SORC) includes all registered student organizations separated into councils based on their area of interest. These councils include a SORC representative from each organization and Student Government Senators to facilitate the agenda. It allows the opportunity for students to have a fair and equal say in university-related matters, to promote the events of their organization, to educate and diversify the campus, and to promote events sponsored by the Student Government Association.

Contact: Student Government Association, 806.742.3631

Texas Tech Chess Program (TTCP)

The Texas Tech Chess Program (TTCP) has captured more than ten national titles, as well as regional and state championships. In 2014, TTCP made history by receiving a double honor from the U.S. Chess Federation. Texas Tech was named “Chess College of the Year,” and head coach Alex Onischuk was recognized as “Grandmaster of the Year.” In both 2014 and 2015, Texas Tech Chess Teams qualified for the “Final Four of College Chess,” the playoff for the national championship.

The Texas Tech Chess Program offers chess scholarships on two levels to qualified undergraduate or graduate applicants. Top players may receive significant financial help. Club level players who are willing to teach in the weekly K-12 programs may qualify for smaller scholarships. All of these scholarships qualify students for reduced in-state tuition and include regular training with International Grandmaster Onischuk, a former U.S. Champion and one of the top professionals in the world.

The Texas Tech Chess Program supports the mission of the Division of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement by promoting chess as a vehicle for enriching education, recruiting outstanding and diverse students to the university, promoting the university through collegiate competitions and exhibitions, providing outreach to all segments of the community, and seeking partnerships and other opportunities that serve university goals.

In collaboration with the university’s student chess club, the Knight Raiders, TTCP offers a variety of services and opportunities related to chess, including regular meetings, tournaments, after-school programs, workshops for teachers, and chess camps for kids. The TTCP staff prepares the state-wide UIL chess quizzes. TTCP resources include chess sets, chess clocks, a specialized chess library, demonstration boards, chess game analysis programs, and tournament management. Many of these resources are shared with the university’s student chess club.

Transcript Service

Copies of a student’s transcript are available for a fee. Please allow two business days for standard transcript processing. Transcripts can be ordered online at www.depts.ttu.edu/registrar (additional fees may apply) or in person at the Office of the Registrar, 103 West Hall.

Official transcripts may be withheld from students who have administrative holds on their records until the holds have been released. For information about administrative holds and the status of holds on students’ records, refer to “Administrative Holds” in the Academic Requirements section of this catalog. Transcripts furnished from other institutions become the property of Texas Tech University.

University Career Center

University Career Center provides a number of services designed to assist all Texas Tech students and alumni with their career development and job search efforts. Representatives from hundreds of organizations visit University Career Center each year to conduct employment interviews with students in an effort to fill internship, Co-Op, and full-time positions.

To obtain interviews and submit a resume, students may register at www.careercenter.ttu.edu. To assist students who are undecided about their majors or career plans, University Career Center offers career assessment inventories, which include Strong Interest Inventory, MBTI, and Strengths Quest Program.

University Career Center also sponsors various job fairs that include graduate and professional schools, school districts, summer camps, and two large career expos. Resources include job listings, internship information, mock interviews, resume assistance, and an extensive career library. Counselors are available to meet individually with students to discuss job-related topics (resumes, cover letters, etc.).

Contact: University Career Center, 150 Wiggins Complex, 806.742.2210

Veterans’ Education Services

The Department of Military and Veterans Programs assists veterans and their families in achieving academic and personal success by helping provide a seamless transition from military to civilian life, supporting and encouraging campus and community engagement, and helping provide a positive experience through degree completion.

The department embraces the following values:

Service. The department appreciates veterans’ service and understands the diversity of thought and experience veterans bring to the university. The department’s calling is to serve those who have served.

Commitment. The department will connect veterans to campus and community resources enhancing their overall college experience to provide a greater chance of successful academic achievement and degree completion.

Integrity. The department treats veterans with the dignity and respect they have earned and deserve.

Growth. The department provides an encouraging environment that is focused on veterans’ success and development.

Exemptions for Texas Veterans Under the Hazlewood Act. The purpose of the Hazlewood Exemption (Hazlewood Act) for Texas veterans is to provide an education benefit to honorably discharged or separated Texas veterans and to eligible dependent children and spouses of Texas veterans. Eligible students may receive an exemption from payment of all tuition, dues, fees, and other required charges, including fees for undergraduate, graduate, law, nursing, medical school for up to 150 credit hours maximum. For more information see www.mvp.ttu.edu.

Veterans’ Certification. Each student using federal VA Educational Assistance is responsible for providing accurate information to the Department of Military and Veterans Programs. Because the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs requires updated information concerning any changes, students must report all changes of status in their academic schedule or address.

Undergraduate students who have accumulated 64 or more credit hours must file a copy of their official degree plan or teacher certification plan with the Veterans Coordinator or enrollment certification will be canceled.

Graduate students must be admitted into an approved program and provide a degree plan as soon as possible after enrollment in Texas Tech.

All veterans using federal benefits must submit military transcripts for evaluation no later than the end of their second semester of enrollment or enrollment certification will be canceled.

All students using federal or state benefits must be certified immediately after registration each semester through the Department of Military and Veterans Programs, 147 Drane Hall, 806.742.6877, www.mvp.ttu.edu.

Any student using the federal or state Tuition Assistance Program through the Department of Defense should provide documentation to Student Business Services, 301 West Hall, 806.742.3272, www.sbs.ttu.edu.